- Thursday February 10th, 2011 :: 07:27 p.m. PST
Skull found inside home in Castaic during narcotics search warrant
On Thursday morning during the service of a narcotics search warrant, sheriff's deputies discovered what is believed to be a human skull inside a Castaic residence.
At approximately 11:30AM, February 10, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parks Bureau deputies served a narcotics search warrant in the 35000 block of Ridge Route Road.
“During the search, in addition to recovering an ounce of methamphetamine and $1,400.00 in cash, deputies discovered what is believed to be a human skull in the den,” said Captain Mike Parker, Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau.
Sheriff’s Homicide and Los Angeles County Coroner’s investigators who responded to the location indicated it appeared to be a partial human skull. Coroner’s Office personnel took possession of the skull and will make the actual determination as to whether or not it is human. Sheriff’s investigators will work with the Coroner’s Office to seek to determine its origin.
Gary Powell, a 67-year old White male, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales and Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Powell is known to other people by his nickname of “Grave Digger.”
Powell was last arrested on December 8, 2010, after a search of his residence by sheriff’s deputies turned up a pound of methamphetamine and over $8,000.00 in cash. He was released on bond two days later.
Both searches of Powell’s residence were initiated by deputies after the community complained about drug transactions taking place at the house.
Powell was booked at the Inmate Reception Center and is being held in lieu of $30,000.00 bail.
Anyone with information about the skull or other issues regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information ANONYMOUSLY, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Captain Mike Parker
Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
(323) 267-4800
www.lasd.org
Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
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